Firefighters Explain Plan To Run Events

Freemansburg Council is still considering a proposal by the volunteer fire company to run social events at Borough Hall.

The fire company made the offer in September, but council has yet to act on it. At Monday night's workshop session, council reviewed more details about the proposal.

The fire company is looking to run the social events to protect items it has in Borough Hall from being damaged.

"We want to minimize the damage," said Robert McLaughlin, fire company president. "We figure if someone (fire company member) was here they could oversee the equipment and watch the hall," he said.

The fire company proposes charging a $60 rental fee for events where alcohol is not served. There would be a $130 charge for events with alcohol. Bartenders would be required for all events with alcohol.

Bartenders would be supplied by the fire company at a cost of $10 per hour for one bartender if only beer was being served. Two bartenders would be supplied at a total cost of $15 per hour for the two if liquor was being served.

All events would require a $100 security deposit.

Councilwoman Audrey Phillip said the cost was too high.

But Assistant Chief George Hess said the costs were in line with the prices of hall rentals charged by other fire companies.

McLaughlin said the fire company would handle maintenance and setup. Costs for cleaning and other various items would be deducted from the rental fee.

There is room for negotiation in the proposal, he added.

Council said it would consider the request for action at next Monday's meeting.